After weeks of rumors (and years) of anticipation, Canon has finally come out with the launch of the much awaited EOS 6D Mark II.

Canon actually launched two cameras to mark the National Camera Day in the US. The other being the EOS Rebel SL2/EOS 200D. While the Rebel camera is an upgrade of the smallest entry level DSLR that Canon currently manufactures, the 6D is a full-frame and much more formidable system.

Sensor

Since the original 6D was (and still is) a very popular system, photographers the world around would no doubt be anticipating a much augmented and much more formidable system. Especially, as the new Mark II rolls out more than four years after the original Mark I (original 6D) was released.

Canon hasn’t disappointed in regard to the sensor department. The new camera comes with a formidable 26.2 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor.

Image Processing

Image processing is taken care of by the DIGIC 7 image processor. The latest image processor results in improved noise handling and faster image processing along with better continuous shooting speed.

Auto-Focusing

One of the major improvements of the new EOS 6D Mark II is its significantly revamped auto-focusing mechanism. Compared to the older camera the new camera has a 45 point all cross-type AF system. A significant jump over the 11 point AF system with one center cross-type system in the original EOS 6D.

All the latest Canon EOS systems are enriched with the fantastic dual-pixel CMOS auto-focusing system. This technology directly helps in live-view shooting and is perfect for shooting videos. However, it can also be used for still shooting just as well.

ISO Sensitivity

The improved image processor leads to a higher ISO performance. The native ISO performance of the EOS 6D Mark II has been pushed up to ISO 40,000. It can be further pushed all the way up to 102,400. It remains, however, to be seen whether the RAW frames captured at ISO 40,000 or at its top expanded ISO level of 102,400 are at all usable.

Viewfinder

The viewfinder at the back of the EOS 6D Mark II is almost the same as the original 6D. The viewfinder coverage is 98% compared to 97% in the older camera.

Rear LCD screen

The rear LCD has also undergone some changes. It can now flip out, rotate and do things that allow you to shoot without having to keep the camera always at your eye level. Needless to say, the greatest advantage is when you are shooting videos. You can take advantage of unique camera angles such as shooting from a very low angle or shooting from high above your head or around corners.

Top LCD screen

The 6D Mark II being a full-frame semi-professional system comes with a top LCD screen. This screen comes in handy when shooting, especially in low-light situations. This is not different from the original 6D.

Video Shooting

A feature you would be looking for and won’t find is the ability to shoot 4K. For some incomprehensible reasons, the EOS 6D Mark II has not been endowed with the ability to shoot in 4K.

Instead, the camera shoots in full HD (1920 x 1080p) at a frame rate of 60 fps, 30 fps, and 24 fps. There is a built-in stereo mic and the option to attach an external stereo mic for better quality sound recording.

Continuous Speed

The older 6D could only shoot at a maximum burst speed of 4.5 fps. Compared, to the older camera the Mark II can shoot at a maximum continuous speed 6.5 fps. There is one catch though, you can shoot a maximum of 21 frames when shooting RAW and 150 when shooting JPEG at that speed and in full resolution.

Connectivity

The new cameras comes with built-in GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity. Both NFC and Bluetooth are new features that did not exist in the older camera.

Overall Build Quality

An important change and one that will make outdoor/natural light photographers happy is the weather resistance. It is stated that the quality of weather resistance is at par with the 5D Mark IV. However, actual testing is necessary. Also, please note that weather resistance and weather proof are not the same.

Conclusion

The Canon 6D Mark II is definitely a much better camera compared to the older 6D. It is also a much better camera when you compare it with some of its contemporaries. The only gray area would be the lack of 4K video shooting. But at a price point of$1,599.00(body only), it is directly in competition with the likes of the Nikon D750 and the D610.

Video Review: Kai’s Take on the New Canon Releases

Rajib's love for the road is second only to his love for photography.
Wanderlust at heart and a shutterbug who loves to document his travels via his lenses; his two passions compliment each other perfectly.
He has been writing for over 8 years now, which unsurprisingly, revolve mostly around his two favorite pursuits.